Toronto Raptors Push for Ja Morant as Trade Deadline Nears
The Toronto Raptors are making serious moves as the February 5, 2026, NBA trade deadline approaches. League sources confirm the team has expressed strong interest in acquiring Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant. The Grizzlies appear willing to listen to offers for their two-time All-Star, setting the stage for potential major roster changes.
Raptors Seek Offensive Boost
Toronto's interest in Morant stems from clear performance needs, not mere speculation. The Raptors currently hold a middle position in the Eastern Conference playoff race but struggle offensively, ranking just 20th in the league. Team management believes adding a high-caliber point guard could transform them from competitive to dangerous contenders.
Pairing Morant with existing stars Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram creates an intriguing possibility for Toronto. The front office sees this as a chance to accelerate their timeline rather than waiting for gradual internal development.
Proposed Trade Structure
Discussions center around a specific package going from Toronto to Memphis. The Raptors would send guard Immanuel Quickley, wing Ochai Agbaji, and a 2026 lottery-protected first-round pick to the Grizzlies. In return, they would receive Ja Morant.
Financially, this trade works under NBA salary rules. Quickley's recent contract extension pays him approximately $32.5 million annually over the next three seasons. This aligns reasonably well with Morant's $197 million deal, making the numbers feasible for both franchises.
The draft pick adds significant value in what scouts consider a deep upcoming class. Agbaji provides Memphis with a young, defense-oriented wing player who can contribute immediately.
Why Toronto Wants This Deal
Ja Morant would instantly become Toronto's primary ball-handler and offensive engine. His exceptional ability to create shots and attack the rim directly addresses the Raptors' most glaring weakness. For a team sitting at 23-16, acquiring Morant signals a clear win-now mentality.
The move represents a calculated risk. Morant brings higher upside but comes with injury history and off-court considerations. Toronto appears ready to gamble that his star power can elevate their postseason prospects significantly.
Memphis's Perspective
The Grizzlies gain multiple benefits from this potential trade. Moving Morant allows them to step away from ongoing injury concerns while accumulating valuable assets. Immanuel Quickley offers steady scoring and playmaking as a potential long-term starter.
Ochai Agbaji strengthens Memphis's perimeter defense immediately. The draft pick provides future flexibility as the team reshapes its roster direction. This package gives the Grizzlies both present contributors and future options.
Player Production Comparison
Examining the key players involved reveals why both teams might consider this exchange:
- Ja Morant (26 years old): Averaged 19.0 points, 7.6 assists, and 3.2 rebounds in 18 games this season, shooting 40.1% from the field. His ceiling remains elite despite limited availability.
- Immanuel Quickley (26 years old): Posted 16.4 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.1 rebounds while playing the full season, shooting 42.9% from the field. He offers more consistent availability.
- Ochai Agbaji: Provides approximately 8-10 points per game with strong defensive focus, playing full seasons consistently.
Morant averaged over 23 points per game last season, demonstrating his star potential when healthy. Quickley delivers more predictable production with less volatility.
Potential Impact
If completed, this trade would reshape both franchises significantly. Toronto would embrace risk for star-level upside, betting that Morant can maintain health and availability. Memphis would prioritize balanced roster construction and future assets over retaining elite individual talent.
The deal could alter the Eastern Conference playoff landscape immediately while giving Memphis tools for longer-term development. As the deadline approaches, both front offices face crucial decisions that will define their seasons and beyond.
